Microbial Control of the Citrus Rust Mite with the Mycoacaricide, Mycar®

Abstract

Mycar, a mycoacaricide produced by Abbott Laboratories as a wettable powder or dust was effective in stimulating premature fungal epizootics in citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Family Eriophyididae) populations in `Valencia' orange groves located in central and south Florida in 1979 and 1980. Hirsutella thompsonii (Strain: Fla. CBS 556. 77b), the active ingredient of Mycar was established on treated fruit and foliage via the particulate residue which supplied a substrate for mycelial growth and subsequent conidiogenesis by the fungus. Excellent crop protection was achieved with Mycar and a Mycar-oil combination in field trials. Oil, Dacagin, Nu-Film 17, Plyac and Ortho X-77 at recommended rates had no detrimental effect on the germination of primary conidia of H. thompsonii and Nu-Film 17 was an excellent spreader-sticker for Mycar formulated as a wettable powder.